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The Legislative Process in Texas The Texas Legislative Process for House Bills and Resolutions Diagram of Legislative Process
This diagram displays the sequential flow of a bill from the time it is introduced in the house of
This diagram displays the sequential flow of a bill from time it is introduced in the House of Representatives to final passage and transmittal representatives to final passage and the transmittal to the governor. to the Governor. A bill introduced in the Senate would follow the same procedure in reverse.
SENATE
HOUSE Bill introduced, numbered, read 1st time, and referred to committee by Speaker
Engrossed bill received, read 1st time, and referred to committee by Lt. Governor
Committee studies bill, posts notice of hearing, holds public hearing or acts in formal meeting resulting in
Committee studies bill, posts notice of public hearing, holds public hearing resulting in
Favorable report with
Substitute or Amendment
No Amendment
Favorable report with
Unfavorable report
Unfavorable report
Bill may be revived by minority report on motion adopted by majority vote of House
Bill may be revived by minority report on motion adopted by majority vote of Senate
Bill printed on committee report and distributed (1st printing)
Substitute or Amendment
No Amendment
Bill printed and distributed
Bill goes to Calendars Committee for assignment to a calendar Bill brought up for consideration on floor by 2/3 vote of Senate to suspend rules
Second reading, debate, amendment by majority vote and passage to third reading
Second reading, debate, amendment by majority vote and passage to third reading
Third reading, debate, amendment by 2/3 vote and final passage by House
Third reading, amendment by 2/3 vote and final passage by Senate Amendments are engrossed into text of bill If amended, returned to House as amended
If not amended
House engrossed text with Senate amendments printed and distributed (2nd printing) House refuses to concur, requests appointment of Conference Committee
House concurs in Senate amendment on motion adopted by majority vote
Senate grants request for Conference Committee (committee consists of 5 members from each house) Conference Committee report filed and adopted without change by each house (report limited to matters in disagreement between the two houses)
Bill Enrolled
Signed by Speaker in presence of House
Signed by Lt. Governor in presence of Senate
Sent to Governor
Governor refuses to sign bill
Governor signs bill
Bill becomes law
Governor vetoes bill
Veto overridden by 2/3 vote of House and Senate
Bill does not become law
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